Mechanical issue with plane pushes back UF's arrival

11:42 PM,
Jan. 24, 2014

Florida coach Billy Donovan yells during his team's win at Alabama on Thursday.

Written by

David Jones
| FLORIDA TODAY

Each year, it seems, weather or another travel issue has a way of getting in sixth-ranked Florida's way on the path to a good season. It happened again on Thursday night after a 68-62 win at Alabama.

Mechanical problems with the plane led the Gators - after their 10th straight win - back to the team hotel for the night rather than home to prepare for today's home date with Tennessee.

Gators coach Billy Donovan said the team got back around noon Friday and shook it off as any kind of problem. But it was a sleepy, road-weary team that prepared for the game. Florida (16-2 overall, 5-0 in the SEC) has ...